Recruiting Report: 2022 Top 5 Prospects
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Over the next few days, I’m going to take a look at the top 15-to-20 players in our 2022 MD/DC player rankings and break down the success they’ve had this summer and include any recruiting scoops that I know of.…
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Continue ReadingOver the next few days, I’m going to take a look at the top 15-to-20 players in our 2022 MD/DC player rankings and break down the success they’ve had this summer and include any recruiting scoops that I know of. With July being a month of chaos within the recruiting world, these updates could change, but as of right now, this is what I’ve gathered from my findings. We’ll start with the top five players.
Cameron Whitmore Cameron Whitmore 6'7" | PF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State #30 Nation MD | 6’8 | Archbishop Spalding/Team Melo
There isn’t a player in the country that experienced a national rise more than Whitmore. Thanks to the DMV Live stage, his name blew up and became a hot commodity not only within power five circles, but also blue blood programs. Racking up offers throughout the July Live period, receiving an offer from North Carolina was one that caught everyone’s eye. He also received offers from Louisville and Villanova (another blue blood program) that further cemented his legitimacy. There have been others that have been involved with last year’s BCL Player of the Year and remain in good standing. Whitmore recently released his top 10 schools that he will be moving forward with, but the schools that seem to be making the biggest push and being the biggest threat include Maryland, Villanova, North Carolina and Illinois.
Tyrell Ward Tyrell Ward 6'7" | SF DeMatha | 2022 State #56 Nation MD | 6’7 | DeMatha/New World
There isn’t much to say with Ward simply because he made his commitment yesterday to Xavier, which is a huge addition for head coach Travis Steele. In Ward, the Musketeers are getting a dynamic three-level scorer with tough shot making ability. There were a handful of school battling for Ward’s commitment, but he should see immediate playing time and opportunity when he arrives on campus as a freshman.
Favour Aire Favour Aire 6'10" | C Bishop McNamara | 2022 State #86 Nation MD | 6’10 | Bishop McNamara/New World
Aire was a dominant force in his showing at DMV Live. Since he’s the only inside presence, he deals with endless double-teams whenever he gets touches in the post. It forces him to premediate his attack before he receives the ball, which will be good for the next level in knowing how to attack early. An underrated aspect of Aire’s game that gets overshadowed by his dominant shot-blocking prowess and above the rim finishes is his ability to move laterally in possessions where he’s guarding out on the perimeter. Whether it’s a more mobile big that he’s matched up against or if he gets caught on a switch against a guard, Aire can hold his own and win possessions when others try to attack him. Among the group of schools that have offered Aire, Ohio State, Louisville, Georgetown and LSU seem to be standing out.
Rodney Rice Rodney Rice 6'4" | CG DeMatha | 2022 State #89 Nation MD | 6’4 | DeMatha/Team Durant
Rice put on a scoring clinic for DeMatha at DMV Live in front of a bevy of programs who are hoping to land his services. The 6-foot-4 combo guard can fill it up from deep and get to his spots off the bounce where he can create in the mid-range or finish creatively around the rim. Rice released his top six late last month consisting of Maryland, Georgetown, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Alabama and Notre Dame. Of that group Louisville, Virginia Tech and Alabama sit in the best position.
Darren Buchanan Jr. | 6’7 | Team Durant
Buchanan recently made waves on Twitter after announcing that he will be transferring from Woodrow Wilson following the resignation of their former head coach. There will be no shortage of high school programs trying to land the versatile 6-foot-7 wing for his senior season. He’s the definition of a two-way player who can have a major impact on both ends throughout the course of a game. He brings extreme versatility, competitiveness and toughness every time he steps on the floor. Buchanan is a prime candidate for a breakout month of July, but as of right now Rutgers stands in the best position. VCU and Seton Hall are also working diligently to build a strong relationship with him and eventually get him on campus for visits.